We came 4th. Just outside of the silverware, but I think we played as well as could be expected. If I had one thought it was that we didn't control the pianissimos as well a we should. It lacked the excitment, vibrancy and danger that would have made it a winner.

 

I think the band was scared of taking a risk.

 

The hotel was pleasant enough, and I managed to put away 4 pints and whisky on the night before, so the hangover was in full force on the day of the contest. I'll add a photo of the band at some stage if I can find one.

 

I'm going to Ringwood on Saturday morning to buy some Ringwood. I then plan to help Tim recycle it over the weekend. There will be a barbeque or two, and possibly the odd film, but no other firm plans. I suppose I should finish tidying up Bob the 2cv seeing as I've started on him. I've painted the floors and undersealed everywhere.

 

The next jobs is to replace the carburettor spacer block to fix the poor running and get some seat covers. I reckon a good polish might be on the cards too, depending on the hangover.

1. What's the difference between a goblin and a hobgoblin?

 

2. Do you know the way to San Jose?

 

3. How do you know if you are lurking or skulking, and which is worse?

 

4. Why do people talk funny when they are on the phone?

 

5. Is chrome plating better than silver plating?

 

6. Why is junk food nice?

 

7. When sleeping in a tent, which end should you put your feet?

 

8. Will Tim ever buy a car he wants to keep for more than a year?

 

9. Is it best to tell the truth at the risk off offending?

 

10. Beer, wine or whisky?

 

Any answers would be appreciated.

It now seems like we will be heading towards Barcelona. The last time I tried to get near Spain Mimi said she wasn't having any of it and I spent a night at the top of a mountain on the Spanish border. I'm hoping to get a bit further this time.

 

Jeff has just started a blog of his own at http://totallyjeff.spaces.msn.com behold the crazyness that is Mr Colmer, find out why chicken is nice, and read the ongoing story of Blackboy's illness.

 

I've just come back from a band rehearsal as were off to Weston Super Mare on Sunday for the West of England contest. This is only the second time that we have competed in the third section, but I have every confidence that we can pull it off. We're playing the Music to the film Henry the Fifth by Ralph Vaughan-Williams.

 

It's not my favourite piece of Vaughan Willaims by any stretch.. I'd much raher listen to Songs of Travel, The Tuba Concerto, The Wasps Suite or Symphony no. 5, but you have to admire the grace and power of it. It starts with a full on plainsong like motif on which the whole piece is based. There are sections of fierceness, sections where you can imagine ancient courtly dancing, and some bits which are just plain loud.

 

I suppose the best bit about playing Henry V is that I have had a rumage in the cupboard for my old cassette collection and listened to all of the Vaughan Williams again. When I studied for my A level at Poole I would go to town every friday and buy a cassette from one of the Record Shops. 1990 was a wierd time to buy recordings because LPs were still about, cassettes were common and CDs were really expensive. I bought a few LPs but after a while realised the futility of it and started on cassettes.

 

It was also about this time that I got a job as an usher in what used to be known as Poole Arts Centre. I got paid to go and listen to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra every Wednesday... how cool is that! This was at the time when Andrew Litton was principal conductor.

 

Here's some of my favourite concerts from then, with maybe a few missed as it was a while ago...

 

1. Mahler Symphony No. 2

2. Prokofiev Romeo & Juliet

3. Ravel Piano Concerto in G

4. Messiaen Turangalila Symphonie

5. Richard Strauss Don Juan Overture

6. Shostakovich Symphony No. 7 Leningrad

7. Richard Strauss Alpine Symphony

8. Benjamin Britten Spring Symphony

 

It seems I like the loud stuff best, never really thought of it like that before. Notice how all of this stuff also has a decent tuba part. I have a few people to thank for my enthusiasm for orchestral music, but top of the list must be Geoff Hughes who encouraged enthusiasm for all sorts of music in his choral history lessons.

 

That's all for now.

It now turns out that Tim has the same holiday booked as me, so I've knocked Sweden on the head completely. The current plan is to head towards Tim's mate Norman's near La Rochelle and then perhaps spend some time in the Alps.

 

No doubt this will change again, but there seems little point in going to the 2cv meeting if I'm not in the 2cv.

 

Please sponsor the Jorassic Challenge. Jo Davies, a friend of mine from Dartington is not feeling too good just now. Some of her friends are doing a sponsored walk to raise money for the Weldmar Hospice and they aim to raise £5000.